AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXV, Issue LXV, 20 December 1913, Page 4

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

It was pleasing to witness the character of the gathering at the Municipal Chambers last night in* connection with the proposals to establish higher vocational education in Hawera. Settlers had come from all parts of the district, some as far as twenty miles, to lend their assistance in securing for the rising generation just treatment from the State in • providing facilities for agricultural, instruction especially, and the utilisation of the revenue from reserves for that purpose instead of it being piled up unused in the, coffers of a trust. The speeches were short and to the point, and revealed a knowledge of the subject, an, earnestness, and a frank recognition of the services rendered by the officers of the Board in this district, which must have been gratifying to all concerned. So strong a case was made out for the new de[parture that it is inconceivable that any Minister of Education possessing a knowledge of the subject can hesitate to do his share in helping on a movement fraught with such great possibilities for good to every settler in the district. For the institution proposed to be established would have a wide sphere of influence upon the prosperity of the man on the land. It must have been pleasant for those connected with education to hear the outspoken tributes by experienced settlers to the useful work carried out under the direction of the Board and the expressions of confidence in its administration. They rang true; indeed, Mr Nolan's concluding remark that he knew the Board's chairman would fight to a finish in upholding the rights of Hawera to educational faoilities was heartily endqrsed by those—present. We congratulate all concerned in the movement upon the whole-hearted support accorded to them by a meeting of residents worthy of the occasion, and look forward with confidence to a successful issue to the important proposals so heartily endorsed last night.